Not the other side of the planet. They fell into the water at the bottom of the pit, swam to the nearest part of land and climbed the endless stair which took them to the highest peak in Middle Earth (Rises out of Moria itself and above the mountains).

NOT exactly. They are close in terms of Strenght because Gandalf/Mithrandir/Olórin isn´t allowed to "go full-power", as he is only sent by the Valar as a Helper, an advisor, not as a warrior. Only because the Balrog are supposed to be Maiar, as Gandalf himself, it doesn´t mean, they are equal. Balrogs are clearly stated to be "lower Maiar" (still, extremely powerful, though), while Gandalf/Olórin is stated to be the wisest of the Maiar, and I´m pretty sure, he isn´t just all about Brains. Being the wisest of the Maiar, at least sets him on the same Level as Osse,Uinen,Sauron or maybe even Eonwe (even if I doubt that, particullary, even though I want to believe it)...